Your 7-Step Pregnancy Emergency Plan

Updated: September 7, 2017

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Are you prepared for a pregnancy 911? These simple steps help ensure you’ll be ready for anything in the unlikely event something unexpected happens.

In all likelihood, the most unpleasant part of your pregnancy will be a little morning sickness, swelling and mood swings. However, in very rare cases, something unexpected happens — from natural disasters to accidents to preterm labor — that requires smart and fast decision-making on your part and that of your loved ones. In the rare case you do find yourself in an emergency situation, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared for any surprises life throws your way.

Know the signs of preterm labor

While only about 11 percent of moms go into labor prematurely — and most often those moms are considered “high-risk” — preterm birth can happen in any pregnancy. But knowing the signs of labor and getting assistance if you experience any of them can help prevent premature birth and potentially even increase the odds of carrying your baby to term. Be aware of:

Contractions that come every 10 minutes (or sooner) and don’t go away when you switch positions

Heavy bleeding, fever over 101.5 F, vision disturbances, a sudden increase in thirst (combined with a lack of urination), painful or burning urination that's accompanied by a fever and very sudden or severe swelling of your hands, feet and face

The symptoms and situations may vary, so ask your doctor to tell you exactly which require a call to her office or a visit to the E.R.

Share your health care provider’s phone number

Give your doctor’s contact information to a few select people in case something happens and you aren’t able to make a call yourself. You may want to share your practitioner’s name and number with your partner, your boss, a neighbor, a close relative and a friend. Also print out a copy of the information and hang it on the fridge or another prominent place in your home.

Map your hospital route

The last thing you need during an emergency is a frenzied search for the address or directions to the hospital. So print out a map and keep a copy in your purse, hospital bag and vehicle, and save the address in the GPS system of your phone and car.

Create a disaster plan

The American Red Cross recommends all families have a disaster plan — so discuss what you’ll do if there’s a natural disaster (such as a hurricane or tornado) or other emergency (like a fire) with your family. Decide where you’ll evacuate, and pick a couple of other meeting places in case anyone gets separated (one near your home and the other outside of your neighborhood). Then choose a room in your home that has the fewest windows and doors and designate it as your shelter-in-place room.

Prepare a disaster kit

A family disaster kit holds the supplies you’ll need if you have to leave your home quickly or need to shelter in place. Since you’re pregnant, your kit should also include prenatal vitamins and any medications you take, a copy of your prenatal record (ask for a copy at each monthly appointment) and your provider’s phone number and address. Pack the items in a suitcase that has wheels and a handle so you can easily wheel it to the car by yourself if necessary. You'll also want to have your hospital "go" bag ready and so will your partner (yup, he or she needs a hospital bag, too!).

Make an emergency birth kit

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, the nearest hospital is quite a distance away or you’re at risk for preterm labor, put together an emergency birth kit — it could come in handy in the slim chance you go into labor and can’t make it to a hospital. Your kit should include clean towels, sterile gloves, sheets, clean scissors, sanitary pads, diapers, water and instructions for infant-rescue breathing.

Remember, in all likelihood you won’t have to use any part of your emergency plan — but you will be happy to have it if you do need it.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.